On Nov. 8, 2012, Richards was planning to ride to Bondad via La Posta Road (County Road 213) when she was struck on the West Frontage Road in Bodo Park. Serious injuries led to her being airlifted to Denver, six weeks in the hospital and at least 13 surgeries.

Now, friends are joining her to “Finish Betsy’s Ride.” They will meet at 10:15 a.m. Friday at Centennial Center, where Office Depot is. After a small ceremony to help her “cast off the demons” of the last year, they will create a small shrine at Durango Coffee Co. Drive-Thru. Then, at 10:31 a.m., exactly a year from her accident, she and other cyclists will hit the road for the ride, picking up where last year’s ride so devastatingly ended.

The outing will end with lunch at the Nature’s Oasis deli. People are welcome to participate during any part of the day.

Herald Staff